2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
The battle between the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 pits efficiency against engagement. The Equinox excites with a lower entry point at an MSRP of $28,600 and offers slightly better overall fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG combined, perfect for relentless daily driving. Conversely, the CX-50 brings a dynamic edge with standard All-Wheel Drive and a robust 187 hp, slightly topping the Equinox's 175 hp. While the Chevy is marginally smaller in length at 183.2 inches, the Mazda packs a bit more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Equinox’s 29.8 cu ft. The CX-50’s traditional 6-speed automatic transmission hints at a more engaging drive, contrasting with the Equinox's CVT. Both offer competitive torque figures near 185 lb-ft, but the Mazda leans toward the driver seeking agility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG rating of 27, which promises fewer stops at the pump.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is better for families as it includes standard All-Wheel Drive and offers a slightly larger maximum cargo capacity of 31.4 cubic feet.
2026 Mazda CX-50
Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-50 due to its slightly higher 187 hp output and the shiftable 6-speed automatic transmission over the Equinox's standard CVT.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox offers the better entry price point with an MSRP of $28,600, beating the CX-50 by over $1,000.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You prioritize stretching fuel economy, as the Equinox achieves 27 MPG combined.
- Your budget is strict, given the lower base MSRP of $28,600.
- You prefer the simplicity and maneuverability of a smaller crossover, measuring 183.2 inches in length.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- All-weather confidence is paramount, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You enjoy a more tactile driving experience provided by the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You require maximum cargo space, where the CX-50 leads with 31.4 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 185.8" |
| Width | 74.9" | 75.6" |
| Height | 65.6" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 381.6/477.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.2 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.8 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.7 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 more powerful than the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
Yes, the Mazda CX-50 holds a slight performance edge with 187 horsepower compared to the Equinox's 175 horsepower. Both vehicles deliver very similar torque figures, near 185 lb-ft, but the Mazda’s extra 12 hp contributes to a more spirited drive.
Which crossover is better equipped for snowy or slippery conditions?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is better equipped as it comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is listed with standard Front Wheel Drive, which typically requires an optional package for AWD capability.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the two?
The Equinox offers a clear advantage in fuel consumption, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the CX-50’s 26 MPG combined. The Equinox also has a better city rating at 26 MPG compared to the CX-50’s 24 MPG city figure.
Does the lower price of the Equinox compromise utility space?
Slightly, yes. The 2025 Equinox provides 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, whereas the slightly more expensive 2026 CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet, giving the Mazda an extra 1.6 cubic feet for gear.
What is the major difference in their automatic transmissions?
The 2025 Equinox utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), known for seamless, smooth acceleration often optimized for efficiency. In contrast, the 2026 CX-50 employs a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, often favored by driving enthusiasts for a more connected feel.
Are both crossovers able to use the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning owners won't face premium fuel costs for either vehicle.
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